Here's to hoping for a 'great' 2008.
Last year was pretty fantastic and this year is bound to be even 'great'er....simply because 'great' rhymes with '2008' and i like saying it all the time to be corny.
This year I will (in no particular order):
- Loose at least another 10 pounds (preferably before summer) and tone up my non-existent muscles.
- Spend more time with God and less time just thinking about doing it.
- I will see my sister. I haven't seen her in two years, she hasn't seen Caden since he was 6 weeks old...and now that she is with embryo (that's right! I'm going to be an Aunt!) I WILL see her sometime this year. That's a promise. We will also go to Newfoundland sometime this year. If everything goes as planned I will have my mom in March, my sister in April, we'll go home in May and I'll go to Alberta with my Mom in August to see 'embryo' when he or she is a full grown baby. I'm very excited about a year full of family visits.
- My husband and I will do something nice for our 5 year anniversary.
- I will stress less and laugh more.
- I will slowly release the overprotective grasp that I have on my little man and will enroll him in 'baby school' one day a week. This is a big one but I think we both need the time away from each other and he needs to spend time with kids instead of me and animals.
- I will find some way to earn extra money. I may get a part-time job if 'baby school' turns out to be a good thing...we'll see what happens.
- I will spend more time playing, singing and writing music.
- I will try and get up before the baby so I can have a productive start to the morning...but I know this one is not going to happen. :)
- I will be a better wife, mother, friend and overall person. There are many areas I can improve on. Too many to list here..but I should be more fun to be around this coming year.
Unlike alot of people, i like getting older. I'm sure I'll change my mind when I am no longer in my early 20's, but I like learning and growing and changing. All of which can't happen without the passage of time. I've learned so much these past few years. That life isn't as black and white as I always thought it was. That people are in great part a product of their parents and if you can find out how someone was raised, you can be much more understanding and patient with them. I've learned how hard it is to be a mom...and have gained a brand new appreciation for my own. I've learned that my little boy is very different from the little girl I use to be. He's CRAZY! Haha.
I'm learning how to trust people without being naive..how to be smarter in relationships...how to let my guard down without hurting myself. Life is a complicated animal. I'm learning that family and friendship is one of God's greatest gifts..that his commandment for us to love each other second only to Him is exactly how we're built to operate. People need God. People need people. Friendship, or lack of it, can make or break a person a persons spirit.
I'm learning to forgive because I don't want to become a bitter person...bitter people are some of the saddest I've ever met. I want to be someone who breathes positivity and energy into others.
I've learned that the telemarketer who is telling me I didn't pay my mortgage when I actually did isn't the one I should be annoyed with. She is just doing her job. Same with the cell phone guy, the power company, and anyone else I deal with during annoying times in my life. Just because people make mistakes doesn't make them stupid or incompetent. It makes them human. I don't want to bring people down to make myself feel important or empowered. No one wins that way.
I've learned that marrying my best friend was the best decision I've ever made...even when we want to ring each others necks.
I've learned that Minneapolis is not pronounced 'MinneANapolis' like I've been calling it my entire life.
So many lessons. I'm thankful that God has given me a heart and mind that is receptive to growth and change...although I do get quite defensive from time to time when someone tries to show me something 'I already know.' I'll start working on that too.
Happy New Year.
May 2008 bring you new discoveries about yourself and the world around you. May you start and finish many books...may you discover beautiful new music and scenery...may you meet many new friends...may you love your God, your family and your friend's more than you ever have before.
See you next year!
Monday, December 31, 2007
Sunday, December 30, 2007
I don't know why...
...God chooses to work through me...but I am overwhelmingly blessed and humbled by it. I've done nothing to earn what I have. It has literally been handed to me, undeserved without reason or explanation aside from pure love from on high.
Thank you Lord for music. For the gift of listening to it and and the talent of making it, for allowing it to flow out of me, for allowing it to flow out of others and into my senses. Thank you for giving my soul a sensitivity to it that draws me nearer to you than anything else on earth has the capability of doing.
God is a rockstar.
Thank you Lord for music. For the gift of listening to it and and the talent of making it, for allowing it to flow out of me, for allowing it to flow out of others and into my senses. Thank you for giving my soul a sensitivity to it that draws me nearer to you than anything else on earth has the capability of doing.
God is a rockstar.
Saturday, December 29, 2007
2007
For 2007 I resolved to loose weight, manage money more adequately, and not move unless we bought a house.
Well, I've lost 20 pounds, we bought and moved into our first house back in April but techinically, we've been in the same general area for 1.5 years and I guess I've done a bit better with money. Having a mortgage back in 2006 would not have been possible but we cracked down, made it work and are still standing so I'll go ahead and check 'manage money better' off of the list.
Yay for accomplishments.
Now to narrow my mental list of 1000 resolutions for 2008 to a blog-able list of no more than 10...
I'll get back to you before next year.
Well, I've lost 20 pounds, we bought and moved into our first house back in April but techinically, we've been in the same general area for 1.5 years and I guess I've done a bit better with money. Having a mortgage back in 2006 would not have been possible but we cracked down, made it work and are still standing so I'll go ahead and check 'manage money better' off of the list.
Yay for accomplishments.
Now to narrow my mental list of 1000 resolutions for 2008 to a blog-able list of no more than 10...
I'll get back to you before next year.
Wednesday, December 26, 2007
Christmas
Christmas Eve Caden and I brought Jason to work and headed to Micah's house for some hang outage. Micah, Caden and I ventured out on operation Christmas Dinner, heading to Publix and the Fresh Market to pick up some delectable treats. Then we made Christmas tree cookies out of Rice Krispie Treats while Caden ate dog biscuits.
It was fun times.
Then we picked Jay up and headed home. Caden and I went home and cleaned up while Jay went to Walmart to get some last minute presents for Caden and a sweet card for me.
After Caden went to bed we had our yummy Christmas eve feast. I wish I could do all my shopping at the fresh market. It was delicious.
We put the gifts under the tree (not the ones from Santa of course...they came after we were asleep) and then we went to bed.
At 6am we were awoken by an angry, screaming baby. Since it was Christmas we decided that was just as good a time as any to start the day. When we went to get Caden we realized that the alarm clock in the room across from his went off at 6am, blaring Christmas music into his room. This would make any toddler ticked on Christmas morning.
He quickly got over it and ran towards his presents. (Video in previous entry)
After ripping everything open, we ate a yummy breakfast prepared by Chef Jason and we pretty much did a big fat nothing all day long. Caden had a pretty crabby day...I guess when you wake up on the wrong side of the crib, there's nothing that can be done...but all in all it was a Nice, relaxing day. We watched Christmas TV and ate alot of brownies and pie. Caden went to bed and Jay and I watched VH1's "Best Songs of the 90's" which brought back some fun memories and reminded us of our age difference. He'd say, "This song was popular my first year in college."
Then I'd say, "Ya, it was popular when I was in grade 7."
Funny.
Here are some photos from after dinner play in the back yard. And yes, it was actually cold enough for Caden to be wearing a hat!
"I love my new bike!"
"Brrrrrrrrr, what is this sensation I am feeling?"
Wagon Races.
Like Father, Like Son
Stick to the motorcycle Jay.
"Move it Kid! It's my turn!"
oh my
Jay thinks he looks snaggled toothed here. I have no makeup on, I didn't brush my hair and I look really sleepy. A match made in heaven.
No makeup, but the best pic I've been able to get with Caden to date.
"Night, Night Christmas!"
These are my 600 thread count sheets from my husband. We couldn't let them sit under the tree another minute. They are SO comfy, and the perfect colour. Good job Jay!
To everyone back home, I miss you and wish we were with you for the holidays. I wish I was gorging myself on mom's tea ring and chocolate cake. I wish we were laughing at each other and visiting the Fagner house, where Sharon would try pawning off her chocolates and we would play the newest board game. I miss Christmas in Newfoundland. If Jay is ever out of the retail business, we'll get home for the holidays. Actually, having Jay home for an entire day was the best Christmas present. He's been working so hard and for such long hours, whenever we get to spend a full day together we're reminded of how much we enjoy each others company.
So YAY Christmas. You came, we laughed, we loved, we played, we ate. See you next year.
It was fun times.
Then we picked Jay up and headed home. Caden and I went home and cleaned up while Jay went to Walmart to get some last minute presents for Caden and a sweet card for me.
After Caden went to bed we had our yummy Christmas eve feast. I wish I could do all my shopping at the fresh market. It was delicious.
We put the gifts under the tree (not the ones from Santa of course...they came after we were asleep) and then we went to bed.
At 6am we were awoken by an angry, screaming baby. Since it was Christmas we decided that was just as good a time as any to start the day. When we went to get Caden we realized that the alarm clock in the room across from his went off at 6am, blaring Christmas music into his room. This would make any toddler ticked on Christmas morning.
He quickly got over it and ran towards his presents. (Video in previous entry)
After ripping everything open, we ate a yummy breakfast prepared by Chef Jason and we pretty much did a big fat nothing all day long. Caden had a pretty crabby day...I guess when you wake up on the wrong side of the crib, there's nothing that can be done...but all in all it was a Nice, relaxing day. We watched Christmas TV and ate alot of brownies and pie. Caden went to bed and Jay and I watched VH1's "Best Songs of the 90's" which brought back some fun memories and reminded us of our age difference. He'd say, "This song was popular my first year in college."
Then I'd say, "Ya, it was popular when I was in grade 7."
Funny.
Here are some photos from after dinner play in the back yard. And yes, it was actually cold enough for Caden to be wearing a hat!
"I love my new bike!"
"Brrrrrrrrr, what is this sensation I am feeling?"
Wagon Races.
Like Father, Like Son
Stick to the motorcycle Jay.
"Move it Kid! It's my turn!"
oh my
Jay thinks he looks snaggled toothed here. I have no makeup on, I didn't brush my hair and I look really sleepy. A match made in heaven.
No makeup, but the best pic I've been able to get with Caden to date.
"Night, Night Christmas!"
These are my 600 thread count sheets from my husband. We couldn't let them sit under the tree another minute. They are SO comfy, and the perfect colour. Good job Jay!
To everyone back home, I miss you and wish we were with you for the holidays. I wish I was gorging myself on mom's tea ring and chocolate cake. I wish we were laughing at each other and visiting the Fagner house, where Sharon would try pawning off her chocolates and we would play the newest board game. I miss Christmas in Newfoundland. If Jay is ever out of the retail business, we'll get home for the holidays. Actually, having Jay home for an entire day was the best Christmas present. He's been working so hard and for such long hours, whenever we get to spend a full day together we're reminded of how much we enjoy each others company.
So YAY Christmas. You came, we laughed, we loved, we played, we ate. See you next year.
Tuesday, December 25, 2007
A Stock Family Christmas
New Christmas pj's on Christmas Eve
'I've got my pillow and I'm ready for bed!'
The living room before Caden
Playing a tune for Dakota on the new drum
Jason, sporting his new riding mask and t-shirt
Some pre-breakfast trucking
Followed by some pre-breakfast puzzle play...where is that breakfast anyway?
Daddy is making it in the kitchen. Fried potatoes, eggs and sausage. YUM!
The living room after Caden.
Christmas Morning. Caden woke up earlier then he wanted to when the alarm clock across the hall from his room went off at 6am, blasting some very loud Christmas music. I guess Santa wanted him up bright and early.
Little Drummer Boy. Caden has probably played this for about 3 combined hours today. Gotta love drum solos by a 2 year old.
'I've got my pillow and I'm ready for bed!'
The living room before Caden
Playing a tune for Dakota on the new drum
Jason, sporting his new riding mask and t-shirt
Some pre-breakfast trucking
Followed by some pre-breakfast puzzle play...where is that breakfast anyway?
Daddy is making it in the kitchen. Fried potatoes, eggs and sausage. YUM!
The living room after Caden.
Christmas Morning. Caden woke up earlier then he wanted to when the alarm clock across the hall from his room went off at 6am, blasting some very loud Christmas music. I guess Santa wanted him up bright and early.
Little Drummer Boy. Caden has probably played this for about 3 combined hours today. Gotta love drum solos by a 2 year old.
Saturday, December 22, 2007
BOREDOM
I'm so intensly bored today.
I feel like a loser cause I update this thing so much.
I haven't seen the sunlight today...but my house is looking much cleaner.
I spent a few days last week on the go, barely spending a moment at home and it's amazing how quickly the whole place went to pot.
Between yesterday and today, it is looking and feeling much better. I even flipped the matress and cleaned the ceiling fans and showers! I'm on a roll.
Caden and I have been playing many homemade games like 'Pillow Forts' 'Where's Caden? He's in the cupboard!' and 'What toys can fit in hole in the front of the subwoofer.' That last one is more his game and my pain in the neck. Now he is playing, 'Tackle the kitty.' It's good that Sammy doesn't have claws, or else Caden might not have such a nice lookin face.
Tonight we will be having chicken fajitas for dinner. yum.
I've eaten probably about 4 dozen Christmas cookies this week and have lost 2 pounds. I have no idea what kind of problem I have but I love it! Thyroid, worms, I don't care. I LOVE YOU!
Caden is convinced that Santa, horses and cows say, "Mooooo."
He is only right about one of those things.
The other day I gave him an old coffee can to play drums on and i didn't realize there were a few grinds left in the bottom of it so when he inevidibly beat a hole in the plastic top, the grinds came out onto the carpet. I was in the kitchen, unaware that this had happened until he ran to the side of the fridge, grabbed the broom and dragged it to the living room where he tried to sweep up the mess before I could see it. I couldnt' help but praise him for his willingness to help around the house, even if he pressed the grinds further into the carpet. Can't blame a boy for trying.
I should do a power tidy before Jay comes home and wonders what unnatural force hit our living room. There are blocks, toys, pillows and goldfish everywhere. From 7am-8pm it is romper room.
I feel like a loser cause I update this thing so much.
I haven't seen the sunlight today...but my house is looking much cleaner.
I spent a few days last week on the go, barely spending a moment at home and it's amazing how quickly the whole place went to pot.
Between yesterday and today, it is looking and feeling much better. I even flipped the matress and cleaned the ceiling fans and showers! I'm on a roll.
Caden and I have been playing many homemade games like 'Pillow Forts' 'Where's Caden? He's in the cupboard!' and 'What toys can fit in hole in the front of the subwoofer.' That last one is more his game and my pain in the neck. Now he is playing, 'Tackle the kitty.' It's good that Sammy doesn't have claws, or else Caden might not have such a nice lookin face.
Tonight we will be having chicken fajitas for dinner. yum.
I've eaten probably about 4 dozen Christmas cookies this week and have lost 2 pounds. I have no idea what kind of problem I have but I love it! Thyroid, worms, I don't care. I LOVE YOU!
Caden is convinced that Santa, horses and cows say, "Mooooo."
He is only right about one of those things.
The other day I gave him an old coffee can to play drums on and i didn't realize there were a few grinds left in the bottom of it so when he inevidibly beat a hole in the plastic top, the grinds came out onto the carpet. I was in the kitchen, unaware that this had happened until he ran to the side of the fridge, grabbed the broom and dragged it to the living room where he tried to sweep up the mess before I could see it. I couldnt' help but praise him for his willingness to help around the house, even if he pressed the grinds further into the carpet. Can't blame a boy for trying.
I should do a power tidy before Jay comes home and wonders what unnatural force hit our living room. There are blocks, toys, pillows and goldfish everywhere. From 7am-8pm it is romper room.
Friday, December 21, 2007
Prayer Closet
Lately I have been thirsty for more of God but haven't been very proactive with our relationship. There's always something to take my attention away from reading scripture or praying. After a message Pastor Brian preached a few weeks ago, I knew it was time to stop being complacent. To stop thinking about having daily quiet time with God and to just start doing it.
If I'm lucky, Caden will usually sleep from about 1-3 in the afternoon which gives me a two hour block of time to do whatever I want (within these four walls of course.) I usually take this opportunity to get a shower, catch up with friends, mess around on the computer, clean things that are difficult to clean when he's awake and various other babyless activities. I'm easily distracted so I had to find somewhere in my house where I could be completely alone with God. Where no laptop, tv, cleaning project, telephone, window, animal or snack food could distract me. I chose my closet.
So lately, God and I have been having afternoon conversations in my walk-in closet and it's really been an incredible experience. I was praying in there the other day and I felt this overwhelming sense of God's presence and was completely humbled by the fact that I was talking to the God of the universe. Prayer really is an amazing privilege. My bible has a permanent spot next to my shoe rack, underneath my hooded sweatshirts. It's funny because now that I've moved my bible from beside my bed to my closet floor, I use it more often. I'm really having quite the revelation. Instead of procrastinating my time with God like I've done in the past, I get excited for it.
My church experience has been much more powerful too. I was so overwhelmed by God's greatness on Sunday that I could hardly play.
I'm realizing that you really can't love someone until you make an effort to get to know them. We're all told we should love God, but love is something that comes from not only admiration of what God has done, but of who He is. Knowing Him leads to loving Him..it's impossible not to...after all, scripture says, 'You will seek Me and find Me when you search for Me with all your heart.' -Jeremiah 29:13
All of my heart...not just the Sunday morning part or the 'when i need something' part. I've heard that scripture a million times but it's starting to make perfect and practical sense to me now.
I encourage everybody to spend more time in their closet. It might become your favourite room in the house.
If I'm lucky, Caden will usually sleep from about 1-3 in the afternoon which gives me a two hour block of time to do whatever I want (within these four walls of course.) I usually take this opportunity to get a shower, catch up with friends, mess around on the computer, clean things that are difficult to clean when he's awake and various other babyless activities. I'm easily distracted so I had to find somewhere in my house where I could be completely alone with God. Where no laptop, tv, cleaning project, telephone, window, animal or snack food could distract me. I chose my closet.
So lately, God and I have been having afternoon conversations in my walk-in closet and it's really been an incredible experience. I was praying in there the other day and I felt this overwhelming sense of God's presence and was completely humbled by the fact that I was talking to the God of the universe. Prayer really is an amazing privilege. My bible has a permanent spot next to my shoe rack, underneath my hooded sweatshirts. It's funny because now that I've moved my bible from beside my bed to my closet floor, I use it more often. I'm really having quite the revelation. Instead of procrastinating my time with God like I've done in the past, I get excited for it.
My church experience has been much more powerful too. I was so overwhelmed by God's greatness on Sunday that I could hardly play.
I'm realizing that you really can't love someone until you make an effort to get to know them. We're all told we should love God, but love is something that comes from not only admiration of what God has done, but of who He is. Knowing Him leads to loving Him..it's impossible not to...after all, scripture says, 'You will seek Me and find Me when you search for Me with all your heart.' -Jeremiah 29:13
All of my heart...not just the Sunday morning part or the 'when i need something' part. I've heard that scripture a million times but it's starting to make perfect and practical sense to me now.
I encourage everybody to spend more time in their closet. It might become your favourite room in the house.
Thursday, December 20, 2007
Wednesday, December 19, 2007
Christmas Tree Fiasco
Monday night we got all bundled up, took some pics and set out to find a Christmas tree. We looked at the Crawfordville Walmart and they had two of the ugliest, 3 foot trees I've ever seen and they were selling them for 20 bucks! Not a chance.
So we looked for the Christmas tree farm where you cut your own tree. By the time we found it, it was 7pm and the farm closed at 6pm. Then our adventure brought us to Winn Dixie where the boy scouts were suppose to be selling trees but alas, there was no boy scout to be found. The entire time we searched, Caden screamed like a banshee in the back seat...he's been spending alot of time in the car lately and I think he had his fill of being strapped in. This video is in between the Christmas tree farm disappointment and the future Winn Dixie disappointment.
Here are the fun pics we took before our eventful evening.
Then we came home, treeless.
Last night I went into town to pick Jay up from work and we went to the Walmart on Apalachee where the tree selection was steller! We found another cheap but beautiful Stock Family tree, costing only 14 bucks this year. Still not as good a deal as the 7 foot, 5 dollar tree of Christmas 2005, but a nice tree none-the-less.
We brought the tree home and began trying to set it up when 20 minutes later we noticed that the front door was wide open. Mocha (our smallest kitty) was in the driveway and Sampson (our big, black kitty) was nowhere to be found. Mocha ran right back inside once she was caught red-pawed but Sammy was long gone. We called for him and walked up and down the lot and the street. About 20 minutes later it set in that my favourite animal (shhh, don't tell the others!) was gone. I began to cry. Jay went into 'must find my wife's cat' mode and went outside with a lighter (cause we don't have a flashlight) and a can of tuna. In hindsight, funny picture.
After about 30 minutes I was convinced my kitty was gone, but then I heard Jay yell, "AH-HA!" from the backyard and he came in through the back door with a big, black cat craddled in his arms. I squeezed Sammy and hugged him until his little kitty eyes popped out of his head.
After all the drama we had a nice night of decorating the tree, making Christmas cookies and drinking hot chocolate.
I publically apologize to my mother and anyone else who is disturbed by the fact that we put bobble head Mr. T. at the top of our tree. God doesn't care what we put on our tree as long as we remember what Christmas is about...plus I think he has a sense of humour.
Mom, if I ever get home to Green's Harbour for Christmas, I hope you will make a place for Mr. T. on the mantle's Christmas village...you know you love him. ;)
So we looked for the Christmas tree farm where you cut your own tree. By the time we found it, it was 7pm and the farm closed at 6pm. Then our adventure brought us to Winn Dixie where the boy scouts were suppose to be selling trees but alas, there was no boy scout to be found. The entire time we searched, Caden screamed like a banshee in the back seat...he's been spending alot of time in the car lately and I think he had his fill of being strapped in. This video is in between the Christmas tree farm disappointment and the future Winn Dixie disappointment.
Here are the fun pics we took before our eventful evening.
Then we came home, treeless.
Last night I went into town to pick Jay up from work and we went to the Walmart on Apalachee where the tree selection was steller! We found another cheap but beautiful Stock Family tree, costing only 14 bucks this year. Still not as good a deal as the 7 foot, 5 dollar tree of Christmas 2005, but a nice tree none-the-less.
We brought the tree home and began trying to set it up when 20 minutes later we noticed that the front door was wide open. Mocha (our smallest kitty) was in the driveway and Sampson (our big, black kitty) was nowhere to be found. Mocha ran right back inside once she was caught red-pawed but Sammy was long gone. We called for him and walked up and down the lot and the street. About 20 minutes later it set in that my favourite animal (shhh, don't tell the others!) was gone. I began to cry. Jay went into 'must find my wife's cat' mode and went outside with a lighter (cause we don't have a flashlight) and a can of tuna. In hindsight, funny picture.
After about 30 minutes I was convinced my kitty was gone, but then I heard Jay yell, "AH-HA!" from the backyard and he came in through the back door with a big, black cat craddled in his arms. I squeezed Sammy and hugged him until his little kitty eyes popped out of his head.
After all the drama we had a nice night of decorating the tree, making Christmas cookies and drinking hot chocolate.
I publically apologize to my mother and anyone else who is disturbed by the fact that we put bobble head Mr. T. at the top of our tree. God doesn't care what we put on our tree as long as we remember what Christmas is about...plus I think he has a sense of humour.
Mom, if I ever get home to Green's Harbour for Christmas, I hope you will make a place for Mr. T. on the mantle's Christmas village...you know you love him. ;)
Sunday, December 16, 2007
Overdue Video
This is candid video at it's finest. I was able to catch Jay playing "golf" in the back yard. Note how his golf swing is timed perfectly with the music I purposefully put on in the background. Priceless.
This is Caden when he had his chest infection. He was so adorable even though he was sick.
According to this video, Caden likes football just as much as I do...it's a little dark in the beginning but once I turn the light on you can see his enthusiasm clearly.
This is Caden when he had his chest infection. He was so adorable even though he was sick.
According to this video, Caden likes football just as much as I do...it's a little dark in the beginning but once I turn the light on you can see his enthusiasm clearly.
Overdue Pics
"If you need me I'll be in here."
Caden graciously offered to take care of paying the bills online.
Sorry for the sideways pics but my photoshop is acting up.
Here's Caden when he had a chest cold. Poor little monkey.
"Is this the belt you wanted, Mom?"
First Ever Stock House Christmas Lights...nothing fancy considering we don't own a ladder.
Confused Kitty
Caden graciously offered to take care of paying the bills online.
Sorry for the sideways pics but my photoshop is acting up.
Here's Caden when he had a chest cold. Poor little monkey.
"Is this the belt you wanted, Mom?"
First Ever Stock House Christmas Lights...nothing fancy considering we don't own a ladder.
Confused Kitty
Saturday, December 15, 2007
We're Back
We've returned from our week long trip 6 days early.
Don't ask....
But since you're probably wondering what happened, I'll create a visual for you.
Caden is generally amazing in the car and he is also an amazing pooper, going about 5times a day (TMI?)
Anyway, on the way to Atlanta he has his first ever episode of constipation and screamed for alot of the 5 hour drive.
We get to Julie's and a few hours later guests start arriving for Julie's Christmas cookie party and Caden is all ready for bed. Julie's husband graciously offered to watch the little ones upstairs during the party and when it came time for Caden to go to bed, be began screaming bloody murder....not just crying....flat out hyperventilating. So I went up to comfort him and let him know I was right outside and that he was safe...I leave the room and within 2 minutes he had worked himself up so much that he vomitted EVERYWHERE!
I get him cleaned up...meanwhile all the party people are downstairs...and they very sweetly and understandingly tell me to bring him on down to join the party. So he does...until midnight! He just would not calm down and go to sleep.
So he went down at 12, I went down at 12:30 and at 4:30 he woke up screaming again. I took him into bed with me and he tossed, turned, kicked and managed to take up an entire double bed with his 25 pound body....it would have been comical if I wasn't so exhausted.
I lay there watching him take up my entire bed and thought, "Should I really drive another 4 hours away from home if everynight is going to be like this, or should we pack it up and go back home?"
Everyone I sought advice from told me to head back to Florida.
So I did.
He was golden on the way home...never made a peep....and although it took him a while to go to sleep last night, he eventually did and slept in until 8:30 this morning.
I'm really sad that I didn't get to see my friends in Charlotte but I am glad to be home. Caden is a good little boy, he is just very set in his ways...like a little old man.
Jay was secretly thrilled to have us back and Dakota was beside herself with glee to see Caden come through the door...so it's all good.
In spite of all the drama it was really nice to see Julie and the family and even though Ava made Caden a little nervous from time to time (because of his baby/toddler phobia) he did give her a big sloppy kiss before leaving.
So I apologize to anyone who was anticipating our arrival up North. We'll try it again a little later on.
Don't ask....
But since you're probably wondering what happened, I'll create a visual for you.
Caden is generally amazing in the car and he is also an amazing pooper, going about 5times a day (TMI?)
Anyway, on the way to Atlanta he has his first ever episode of constipation and screamed for alot of the 5 hour drive.
We get to Julie's and a few hours later guests start arriving for Julie's Christmas cookie party and Caden is all ready for bed. Julie's husband graciously offered to watch the little ones upstairs during the party and when it came time for Caden to go to bed, be began screaming bloody murder....not just crying....flat out hyperventilating. So I went up to comfort him and let him know I was right outside and that he was safe...I leave the room and within 2 minutes he had worked himself up so much that he vomitted EVERYWHERE!
I get him cleaned up...meanwhile all the party people are downstairs...and they very sweetly and understandingly tell me to bring him on down to join the party. So he does...until midnight! He just would not calm down and go to sleep.
So he went down at 12, I went down at 12:30 and at 4:30 he woke up screaming again. I took him into bed with me and he tossed, turned, kicked and managed to take up an entire double bed with his 25 pound body....it would have been comical if I wasn't so exhausted.
I lay there watching him take up my entire bed and thought, "Should I really drive another 4 hours away from home if everynight is going to be like this, or should we pack it up and go back home?"
Everyone I sought advice from told me to head back to Florida.
So I did.
He was golden on the way home...never made a peep....and although it took him a while to go to sleep last night, he eventually did and slept in until 8:30 this morning.
I'm really sad that I didn't get to see my friends in Charlotte but I am glad to be home. Caden is a good little boy, he is just very set in his ways...like a little old man.
Jay was secretly thrilled to have us back and Dakota was beside herself with glee to see Caden come through the door...so it's all good.
In spite of all the drama it was really nice to see Julie and the family and even though Ava made Caden a little nervous from time to time (because of his baby/toddler phobia) he did give her a big sloppy kiss before leaving.
So I apologize to anyone who was anticipating our arrival up North. We'll try it again a little later on.
Wednesday, December 12, 2007
Tuesday, December 11, 2007
the Depth of Roseanne
I've been watching old reruns of the show 'Roseanne' lately. I have a tendency to have the tv on all the time for company, so once Caden goes down for a nap I turn the TV channel to the CW and let several episodes of the Cosby Show and Roseanne play in the background while I do chores.
I don't usually catch an episode in it's entirity but today I came out in the living room just in time to hear Roseanne say, "We have alot to thank God for, and I believe we should stop praying in dark corners and start praying the way we fight. Out loud and in public."
Sometimes you find life lessons where you least expect them.
I don't usually catch an episode in it's entirity but today I came out in the living room just in time to hear Roseanne say, "We have alot to thank God for, and I believe we should stop praying in dark corners and start praying the way we fight. Out loud and in public."
Sometimes you find life lessons where you least expect them.
Monday, December 10, 2007
Traveling Circus
Caden and I will be leaving Tally on Thursday morning for a week long adventure to the 3 states north of here. We will first head to Atlanta for some much anticipated time with the Osteig Family. From there (on Saturday) we will head to Gastonia, NC for a wedding...well, perhaps just a wedding reception because Caden is not a sit-in-church-and-be-quiet kind of kid. That night we'll head to Desmond and Kristy's where we will stay until Wednesday at which time we'll start making our way home, stopping for lunch in Greenville, SC with friends from the ol' stompin grounds and we'll spend one last night in Atlanta before making it all the way home on Thursday of next week.
I'm a bit anxious as to how Caden will do with the sleeping arrangements...he doesn't do well in a pac-n-play and he hasn't really been sleeping well in his own crib lately so it should be an adventure. He really isn't that bad in the car so the journey itself shouldn't be too taxing...I say this now...talk to me next week when we're in the middle of our 20th hour of driving.
I'm really excited to see my peeps. I anticipate fun, great conversation, alot of laughter and tea...lots of tea. Plus it will be nice to experience some lesser degrees of warmth during the holiday season. I even bought Caden a down filled coat today. How exciting that he may actually get a chance to wear it!
I need to go to the store now and get some tomatoes and lettuce. The husband is apparantly craving BLT's for dinner tonight. Adios.
I'm a bit anxious as to how Caden will do with the sleeping arrangements...he doesn't do well in a pac-n-play and he hasn't really been sleeping well in his own crib lately so it should be an adventure. He really isn't that bad in the car so the journey itself shouldn't be too taxing...I say this now...talk to me next week when we're in the middle of our 20th hour of driving.
I'm really excited to see my peeps. I anticipate fun, great conversation, alot of laughter and tea...lots of tea. Plus it will be nice to experience some lesser degrees of warmth during the holiday season. I even bought Caden a down filled coat today. How exciting that he may actually get a chance to wear it!
I need to go to the store now and get some tomatoes and lettuce. The husband is apparantly craving BLT's for dinner tonight. Adios.
Saturday, December 08, 2007
Northern Lights
A friend of mine sent me these amazing photos of the northern lights in The North West Territories of Canada.
They make me happy, especially because I was getting a little depressed that it's warm enough to lay out and tan today and it's 3 weeks til Christmas. It's hard to fully enjoy the Christmas season when you have to wear a t-shirt and shorts to hang your Christmas lights.
I'm dreaming of a white Christmas. Sigh.
Friday, December 07, 2007
Up on the Roof top
I'm going to go hang Christmas lights now.
Hopefully I will not be blogging tomorrow from my hospital bed while lying in traction.
Hopefully I will not be blogging tomorrow from my hospital bed while lying in traction.
Wednesday, December 05, 2007
On the Mend
After a shot of anti-biotics and a shot of steroids, Jay is feeling much better today. I am still going through 100 tissues a day but am also feeling much better. Caden has been 100% for a while. He is much tougher than his parents.
I just cleaned the floor on my hands and knees. I love the smell of pinesol. It's so strong it is penitrating my blocked sinuses. Mmmmm. Pine fresh.
I'm not a big fan of mops. Elbow grease is the way to go.
I've decided that in order to be a full-time stay at home mom I need Jesus, caffeine and children's television. The three get me through the day. I grew up watching 'Sharon, Lois and Braham' and I turned out ok. Plus Caden has learned alot from some of his shows. He's even been trying to count...one, two, three sounds like ga, ga, gee but he is trying!
We had Caden's Christmas photo shoot in the park last night and it was pretty funny. Lance has alot of patience. He took about 130 photos in 20 minutes. With his skill and the sheer quantity of photos there's bound to be at least one gem among them.
I feel so behind with my Christmas prep. No decorations are up, there are no lights on the house, and everyday when it comes time for Caden to sleep (which is the only time to get any of these things done) I don't want to do anything but sit and decompress. I need to just buckle down and do it...after all, Christmas waits for no one.
I just cleaned the floor on my hands and knees. I love the smell of pinesol. It's so strong it is penitrating my blocked sinuses. Mmmmm. Pine fresh.
I'm not a big fan of mops. Elbow grease is the way to go.
I've decided that in order to be a full-time stay at home mom I need Jesus, caffeine and children's television. The three get me through the day. I grew up watching 'Sharon, Lois and Braham' and I turned out ok. Plus Caden has learned alot from some of his shows. He's even been trying to count...one, two, three sounds like ga, ga, gee but he is trying!
We had Caden's Christmas photo shoot in the park last night and it was pretty funny. Lance has alot of patience. He took about 130 photos in 20 minutes. With his skill and the sheer quantity of photos there's bound to be at least one gem among them.
I feel so behind with my Christmas prep. No decorations are up, there are no lights on the house, and everyday when it comes time for Caden to sleep (which is the only time to get any of these things done) I don't want to do anything but sit and decompress. I need to just buckle down and do it...after all, Christmas waits for no one.
Tuesday, December 04, 2007
Sharing is Caring?
Being the giving person that I am, I was kind enough to unintentionally pass this virus along to my husband, who always gets everything a million times worse than everyone else due to his chronic asthma.
This couldn't come at a worse time since business is finally starting to pick up after 8 months of the 'slow season.'
He looks like death. Poor muffin. He's on his way to the doctor for his second breathing treatment and possibly a steroid injection to help with the chest pain and tightness. He's really miserable.
Caden is trying to breakdance as I type, because a dude is breakindancing on tv. This is a pretty funny visual...he's actually not doing a bad imitation....better than I could do!
I'm still trying to shake this bug. It's insane. The longest lasting, hardest hitting virus in the world. I think that should be it's official name. The LLHHVITW virus.
Caden bounced back like a champ though. You'd think his little body would be the hardest hit, but he is like a pit bull. He's been great lately. I've been having alot of fun with him. I think having a couple of days childless from 9am til 6pm made me realize just how much more enjoyable life is with him than without him. He's precious and hilarious...and busy! Constantly busy!
Caden and I will be leaving for Charlotte next week. We'll be spending a week visiting friends in Charlotte and along the way. I'm hoping Caden will be on his best behavior. If everyone could whisper a prayer about that, I'd appreciate it! :)
This couldn't come at a worse time since business is finally starting to pick up after 8 months of the 'slow season.'
He looks like death. Poor muffin. He's on his way to the doctor for his second breathing treatment and possibly a steroid injection to help with the chest pain and tightness. He's really miserable.
Caden is trying to breakdance as I type, because a dude is breakindancing on tv. This is a pretty funny visual...he's actually not doing a bad imitation....better than I could do!
I'm still trying to shake this bug. It's insane. The longest lasting, hardest hitting virus in the world. I think that should be it's official name. The LLHHVITW virus.
Caden bounced back like a champ though. You'd think his little body would be the hardest hit, but he is like a pit bull. He's been great lately. I've been having alot of fun with him. I think having a couple of days childless from 9am til 6pm made me realize just how much more enjoyable life is with him than without him. He's precious and hilarious...and busy! Constantly busy!
Caden and I will be leaving for Charlotte next week. We'll be spending a week visiting friends in Charlotte and along the way. I'm hoping Caden will be on his best behavior. If everyone could whisper a prayer about that, I'd appreciate it! :)
Monday, December 03, 2007
Children
The other day Caden was in our bathroom and he saw my shiney, blue razer blade on the counter. He wanted to play with it but of course, I told him, 'No.'
He kept gesturing for it.
I tried to divert his attention.
He kept his eyes on it.
I said, 'No' again.
He proceeded to throw a giant tantrum. Under my breath I said sarcastically, "I know. I'm a terrible mother for not wanting you to cut yourself."
That got me thinking....how many times do I throw a tantrum because God won't give me what I want..when the whole time He knows that I'll only hurt myself with it?
Father knows best.
It's always nice to gain spiritual perspective in the midst of a toddler's meltdown.
He kept gesturing for it.
I tried to divert his attention.
He kept his eyes on it.
I said, 'No' again.
He proceeded to throw a giant tantrum. Under my breath I said sarcastically, "I know. I'm a terrible mother for not wanting you to cut yourself."
That got me thinking....how many times do I throw a tantrum because God won't give me what I want..when the whole time He knows that I'll only hurt myself with it?
Father knows best.
It's always nice to gain spiritual perspective in the midst of a toddler's meltdown.
Saturday, December 01, 2007
Cats
I totally stole this from Tiffany because it made me laugh alot.
If anything, I know it will make my dad laugh too cause this is very much his sense of humour.
I apologize in advance because there is one semi-naughty word but I couldn't let that stop me from sharing the hilarity.
Enjoy.
If anything, I know it will make my dad laugh too cause this is very much his sense of humour.
I apologize in advance because there is one semi-naughty word but I couldn't let that stop me from sharing the hilarity.
Enjoy.
Brain Damage
My son is a bit of a television addict. I've noticed this more so as of late, so I have moved the DVD's from sight and unplug the tv at certain times of the day to break the addiction. When I first got sick I was browsing around on the internet and stumbled across a research study that shows a correlation between early childhood tv watching and later childhood ADD. It said that television exposure between the ages of 0-3 could cause attention problems around the age of 5 or 6 because the brain is trained to need constant attention grabbing images to be entertained and focused.
It said that after the age of 3, exposure to educational programming is benefitial for children, but before that age it could be detrimental.
Perfect. I've flat out damaged the boys brain.
And of course, I read this at a time when I need the television more than ever because I've barely had enough energy to wash my own face.
On the other side of things, alot of the videos Caden watches are designed for children 0-3. They have classical music and word association and he really has learned alot from them...and would Baby Einstein be in operation if their products were designed to damage the brains of babies everywhere?
I also read an article that said these types of videos help to stimulate a babies brain, sharpen their vision and depth perception and that the exposure to music can be very benefitial to a child's ability to pick up on music and foreign languages.
I'm unsure as to who to believe.
So to Caden's future teachers:
I apologize if Caden has difficulty focusing. I don't know why that is the case...but I take all of the credit if he is a child genious and a musical prodogy.
-Caden's Mom
It said that after the age of 3, exposure to educational programming is benefitial for children, but before that age it could be detrimental.
Perfect. I've flat out damaged the boys brain.
And of course, I read this at a time when I need the television more than ever because I've barely had enough energy to wash my own face.
On the other side of things, alot of the videos Caden watches are designed for children 0-3. They have classical music and word association and he really has learned alot from them...and would Baby Einstein be in operation if their products were designed to damage the brains of babies everywhere?
I also read an article that said these types of videos help to stimulate a babies brain, sharpen their vision and depth perception and that the exposure to music can be very benefitial to a child's ability to pick up on music and foreign languages.
I'm unsure as to who to believe.
So to Caden's future teachers:
I apologize if Caden has difficulty focusing. I don't know why that is the case...but I take all of the credit if he is a child genious and a musical prodogy.
-Caden's Mom
Friday, November 30, 2007
sick
I have been completely blown over by a nasty virus.
Luckily I have been blessed with amazing friends who have taken good care of my little one for the past three days so that I can sleep and wallow in my own gross. Yesterday I got out of bed for 15 minutes to crawl into the shower. I think my hair has formed into dread locks because I don't remember the last time I brushed it.
I don't think I have ever had a flu this bad. It really stinks.
Being out of commission has given me a new appreciation and greater love for my husband. He is one fantastic individual. He has literally taken care of everything over the past few days. He's arranged everything for Caden, taken phenominal care of me, he has come home early everynight to clean the house, do the laundry, get the baby ready for bed and fetch me anything I need. He has been absolutly amazing.
Last night while I was lying on the couch I could hear him tucking Caden in, telling him a bedtime story about two Cadens...how one liked eating condiments and the other one did not. Caden was cracking up. So was I.
Yesterday Caden went to a friend's house where there were two other kiddos, which normally would make him nervous and uncomfortable, but apparantly he had the best time, playing and being silly with the other boys. I think he has been enjoying this week...a little less boring then the everyday at home with mom.
So I feel less poopy today than yesterday which I'm hoping means I will feel even less poopy tomorrow.
I'm going to go eat a fudgesicle and go to bed.
Luckily I have been blessed with amazing friends who have taken good care of my little one for the past three days so that I can sleep and wallow in my own gross. Yesterday I got out of bed for 15 minutes to crawl into the shower. I think my hair has formed into dread locks because I don't remember the last time I brushed it.
I don't think I have ever had a flu this bad. It really stinks.
Being out of commission has given me a new appreciation and greater love for my husband. He is one fantastic individual. He has literally taken care of everything over the past few days. He's arranged everything for Caden, taken phenominal care of me, he has come home early everynight to clean the house, do the laundry, get the baby ready for bed and fetch me anything I need. He has been absolutly amazing.
Last night while I was lying on the couch I could hear him tucking Caden in, telling him a bedtime story about two Cadens...how one liked eating condiments and the other one did not. Caden was cracking up. So was I.
Yesterday Caden went to a friend's house where there were two other kiddos, which normally would make him nervous and uncomfortable, but apparantly he had the best time, playing and being silly with the other boys. I think he has been enjoying this week...a little less boring then the everyday at home with mom.
So I feel less poopy today than yesterday which I'm hoping means I will feel even less poopy tomorrow.
I'm going to go eat a fudgesicle and go to bed.
Monday, November 26, 2007
Pros and Cons
I am a big believer in the weighing of the Pros and Cons. I think it is a really good decision making method and it's fun to say PRO or CON before you say a sentence.
Here's my latest decision making round of pros and cons...One of the hardest decisions I've ever had to make.
Pros and Cons of going back to work and putting Caden in daycare.
PRO: He will get use to socializing with other kids, because right now he is very uncomfortable with kids his own age. He loves adults, but kids...he has no time for. I remember being the same way but maybe daycare would help.
CON: He will catch all of their germs...which he is bound to do in kindergarden anyway so I guess maybe this one is actually a PRO because he'll build a strong immune system before he starts real school.
PRO: He will hear alot of people talking all around him, which may encourage him to talk too. Also, the people there won't know what he wants unless he says words which will force him into having some kind of vocabulary.
CON: I will miss him terribly and probably cry everyday, and even though I know he will be fine, I will feel constant guilt for not spending my days with him.
PRO: We will make some extra money because I'll have a job.
CON: As a boy who has a tendency to be overstimulated, he may have a hard time adjusting to the chaotic enviornment...last time I put him in childcare he hid under a table for an hour and threw up...He's a sensitive boy.
PRO: I will have a life outside of boogers, diapers and The Wiggles.
CON: I will miss the way things are right now, because all in all, I love being with him more than anything and to quote Aerosmith, "I don't want to miss a thing."
PRO: He will watch less TV
CON: I will miss him...did I already say that?
Ugh. I'm telling you, this is a tough one. We do need the extra money and it would help him socialize more with other kids but my heart is to be at home with him. The thought of only seeing him a few hours a night rips my guts out....which I'm sure it is with alot of women who inevidebly have to work to help out. I'm sure the thinking about it is worse than the actual doing...I'm sure once I got out there and started working I would probably enjoy the routine, having somewhere to be...being able to eat lunch or run to the store alone, being able to pee with the door closed...having a reason to buy nice clothes...and I think he would find it hard adjusting at first but he would, hopefully, enjoy it after a while. I don't know...I just invision him being traumatized by the whole thing because he's been in his own home for so long. I don't know. I've never been so torn about anything in my life.
I wish we had a money tree, then this wouldn't be an issue.
Does anyone have any money tree seeds they'd be willing to donate?
Here's my latest decision making round of pros and cons...One of the hardest decisions I've ever had to make.
Pros and Cons of going back to work and putting Caden in daycare.
PRO: He will get use to socializing with other kids, because right now he is very uncomfortable with kids his own age. He loves adults, but kids...he has no time for. I remember being the same way but maybe daycare would help.
CON: He will catch all of their germs...which he is bound to do in kindergarden anyway so I guess maybe this one is actually a PRO because he'll build a strong immune system before he starts real school.
PRO: He will hear alot of people talking all around him, which may encourage him to talk too. Also, the people there won't know what he wants unless he says words which will force him into having some kind of vocabulary.
CON: I will miss him terribly and probably cry everyday, and even though I know he will be fine, I will feel constant guilt for not spending my days with him.
PRO: We will make some extra money because I'll have a job.
CON: As a boy who has a tendency to be overstimulated, he may have a hard time adjusting to the chaotic enviornment...last time I put him in childcare he hid under a table for an hour and threw up...He's a sensitive boy.
PRO: I will have a life outside of boogers, diapers and The Wiggles.
CON: I will miss the way things are right now, because all in all, I love being with him more than anything and to quote Aerosmith, "I don't want to miss a thing."
PRO: He will watch less TV
CON: I will miss him...did I already say that?
Ugh. I'm telling you, this is a tough one. We do need the extra money and it would help him socialize more with other kids but my heart is to be at home with him. The thought of only seeing him a few hours a night rips my guts out....which I'm sure it is with alot of women who inevidebly have to work to help out. I'm sure the thinking about it is worse than the actual doing...I'm sure once I got out there and started working I would probably enjoy the routine, having somewhere to be...being able to eat lunch or run to the store alone, being able to pee with the door closed...having a reason to buy nice clothes...and I think he would find it hard adjusting at first but he would, hopefully, enjoy it after a while. I don't know...I just invision him being traumatized by the whole thing because he's been in his own home for so long. I don't know. I've never been so torn about anything in my life.
I wish we had a money tree, then this wouldn't be an issue.
Does anyone have any money tree seeds they'd be willing to donate?
Sunday, November 25, 2007
Inhale, Exhale
It's been a week, that's for sure.
I guess it's been a month really.
I don't know how much someones brain has to over work itself before it just shuts down completely. I think mine's on the brink.
I am blessed though...stressed, but blessed.
Is that ok? Can you be stressed out and aware of how good God is to you at the same time?
I wish we as humans didn't give up on God as easily as we do.
I wish we didn't associate not feeling good with God not being good. Our point of view and who God is are two different things. God doesn't change regardless of how we're feeling, whether we're being tested or whether we haven't a care in the world.
God's good. We change. He doesn't.
When things aren't good between God and I it's because I'm too lazy to read my bible, I'm too occupied to pray. I walk away from Him, living my life and then I get angry, stressed and sad, wondering why He left me. It's lame really.
That's going to be my new prayer.
"God, forgive me for being Lame. Remind me when I am being lame to knock it off and do my part to make our relationship work."
Because in all honesty, if God and I aren't right, nothing's right.
I'm also going to look back over my strongest spiritual moments and try to think of what I was doing then as opposed to what I'm doing now. Chances are I was taking time out daily to be in God's presence...which now is hard cause I barely have enough time to be alone in my own presence but I need to make time for Him.
Nothing can be more important than that.
If anyone was at church today, I guess you can tell that Phil's message kicked my butt in a good way.
We have no money, Jay is overworked and over stressed, Caden is at a challenging age, and although I love being with him, I am often times lonely, bored and unfulfilled spending all day at home without an adult to talk to...all reasons why I have been neglectful of God and unfocused on my blessings.
But it's time for an attitude adjustment, because I refuse to give up on God's best for me because I am so self-focused on what I don't have.
I have a loving marriage, a home, a beautiful son, more close friends than I can count, and above all else the peace and joy (in the midst of chaos and mixed emotions) that comes with knowing Christ.
It's time that I start exercising my freedom in Christ instead of thinking of all the reasons why I shouldn't because there's got to be more than this.
I'm not a big fan of the movie, "Bruce Almighty" but it was on TV the other day and I caught the part where Jim Carey's character is given God's powers and he tries to use them to make a woman fall in love with him and although he has immeasurable power he can't manipulate her free will. He asks God (Morgan Freeman) "How do I make somebody love me?"
'God' replies with something along the lines of, "If only I knew the answer to that."
God has given us the freewill to make our own decisions, even about Him.
As mature Christians we need to exercise our freewill by getting to know and falling in love with Jesus.
It doesn't have to be as hard as we make it out to be. Just do your part to get to know Him, then you won't be able to help but love Him. It doesn't mean your bank account will fill up, your job will get better, your ex will come back and your life will be perfect, but at least you'll have someone to talk to about how much life stinks sometimes. And who better than the creator of the universe?
I want to have a relationship with Christ so I need to grow up and make an effort...whether I've spent all day on the beach with my husband or all day at the urgent care getting puked on by my Son.
Inhale, Exhale.
I guess it's been a month really.
I don't know how much someones brain has to over work itself before it just shuts down completely. I think mine's on the brink.
I am blessed though...stressed, but blessed.
Is that ok? Can you be stressed out and aware of how good God is to you at the same time?
I wish we as humans didn't give up on God as easily as we do.
I wish we didn't associate not feeling good with God not being good. Our point of view and who God is are two different things. God doesn't change regardless of how we're feeling, whether we're being tested or whether we haven't a care in the world.
God's good. We change. He doesn't.
When things aren't good between God and I it's because I'm too lazy to read my bible, I'm too occupied to pray. I walk away from Him, living my life and then I get angry, stressed and sad, wondering why He left me. It's lame really.
That's going to be my new prayer.
"God, forgive me for being Lame. Remind me when I am being lame to knock it off and do my part to make our relationship work."
Because in all honesty, if God and I aren't right, nothing's right.
I'm also going to look back over my strongest spiritual moments and try to think of what I was doing then as opposed to what I'm doing now. Chances are I was taking time out daily to be in God's presence...which now is hard cause I barely have enough time to be alone in my own presence but I need to make time for Him.
Nothing can be more important than that.
If anyone was at church today, I guess you can tell that Phil's message kicked my butt in a good way.
We have no money, Jay is overworked and over stressed, Caden is at a challenging age, and although I love being with him, I am often times lonely, bored and unfulfilled spending all day at home without an adult to talk to...all reasons why I have been neglectful of God and unfocused on my blessings.
But it's time for an attitude adjustment, because I refuse to give up on God's best for me because I am so self-focused on what I don't have.
I have a loving marriage, a home, a beautiful son, more close friends than I can count, and above all else the peace and joy (in the midst of chaos and mixed emotions) that comes with knowing Christ.
It's time that I start exercising my freedom in Christ instead of thinking of all the reasons why I shouldn't because there's got to be more than this.
I'm not a big fan of the movie, "Bruce Almighty" but it was on TV the other day and I caught the part where Jim Carey's character is given God's powers and he tries to use them to make a woman fall in love with him and although he has immeasurable power he can't manipulate her free will. He asks God (Morgan Freeman) "How do I make somebody love me?"
'God' replies with something along the lines of, "If only I knew the answer to that."
God has given us the freewill to make our own decisions, even about Him.
As mature Christians we need to exercise our freewill by getting to know and falling in love with Jesus.
It doesn't have to be as hard as we make it out to be. Just do your part to get to know Him, then you won't be able to help but love Him. It doesn't mean your bank account will fill up, your job will get better, your ex will come back and your life will be perfect, but at least you'll have someone to talk to about how much life stinks sometimes. And who better than the creator of the universe?
I want to have a relationship with Christ so I need to grow up and make an effort...whether I've spent all day on the beach with my husband or all day at the urgent care getting puked on by my Son.
Inhale, Exhale.
Saturday, November 24, 2007
November in Northern Florida
Is perfect...The smells, the temperature, the colours...it's perfect.
In not-as-perfect news, my little boy is sickeepoo.
He started yesterday with a little sniffle and woke up this morning with not-so-little chest congestion. We went into the urgent care where the doctor checked him out and said it was just a virus and he should be fine. Between the exam and checking out he got alot worse so the dr came back in to check him again and decided he needed a breathing treatment and a chest xray. He was being so sweet and amazingly behaved the entire time, but the breathing treatment made him pretty upset, to the point that he started to cry, cough and gag...causing him to throw up ALL OVER ME and all over himself. He and I were covered from shirt to pants in vomit. Not fun.
The nurse offered to wash our clothes, which I had to take her up on cause we were drenched and 45 minutes from home. So while I wore a hospital gown and Caden wore a diaper and socks, he screamed his way through a chest x-ray that showed alot of congestion in his chest...The dr. said it is just a bad case of viral croop and should be easy to clear up. So now he has to take steroids and anti-biotics for the next 5 days and will hopefully be fine after that.
He has been so sweet throughout everything. He is such a little trooper.
I can't imagine having a child with chronic illness that needs testing and medical treatments on a regular basis...it was heartbreaking watching them pin him to the xray table..and the whole time I was telling myself, "Kathy, get over it, it's just an xray!" but I couldn't help to fight back tears watching him like that.
He is taking a much needed nap now and will hopefully be back to his old, funny, mischeivious self in no time.
Luckily nature is perfect. The drive home from the dr. was stunning and reminded me that no matter what happens, God is there with a splash of beauty to calm us down and get us through it.
In not-as-perfect news, my little boy is sickeepoo.
He started yesterday with a little sniffle and woke up this morning with not-so-little chest congestion. We went into the urgent care where the doctor checked him out and said it was just a virus and he should be fine. Between the exam and checking out he got alot worse so the dr came back in to check him again and decided he needed a breathing treatment and a chest xray. He was being so sweet and amazingly behaved the entire time, but the breathing treatment made him pretty upset, to the point that he started to cry, cough and gag...causing him to throw up ALL OVER ME and all over himself. He and I were covered from shirt to pants in vomit. Not fun.
The nurse offered to wash our clothes, which I had to take her up on cause we were drenched and 45 minutes from home. So while I wore a hospital gown and Caden wore a diaper and socks, he screamed his way through a chest x-ray that showed alot of congestion in his chest...The dr. said it is just a bad case of viral croop and should be easy to clear up. So now he has to take steroids and anti-biotics for the next 5 days and will hopefully be fine after that.
He has been so sweet throughout everything. He is such a little trooper.
I can't imagine having a child with chronic illness that needs testing and medical treatments on a regular basis...it was heartbreaking watching them pin him to the xray table..and the whole time I was telling myself, "Kathy, get over it, it's just an xray!" but I couldn't help to fight back tears watching him like that.
He is taking a much needed nap now and will hopefully be back to his old, funny, mischeivious self in no time.
Luckily nature is perfect. The drive home from the dr. was stunning and reminded me that no matter what happens, God is there with a splash of beauty to calm us down and get us through it.
Friday, November 23, 2007
Input
My husband and I are itching to get some new ink.
(I'll pause for those of you who don't like tattoos and need time to sigh and roll your eyes. Haha!)
I have several thoughts.
Let me know what you think.
1) Large purple flower, upper right back. Mine wouldn't be a waterlily, but a gladiola, the flower for August..and it would be more purple.
2) Large star (I already have one on my foot) on the front of right shoulder. I really enjoy the star. Classic.
3) This:
Let me know what you think!
(I'll pause for those of you who don't like tattoos and need time to sigh and roll your eyes. Haha!)
I have several thoughts.
Let me know what you think.
1) Large purple flower, upper right back. Mine wouldn't be a waterlily, but a gladiola, the flower for August..and it would be more purple.
2) Large star (I already have one on my foot) on the front of right shoulder. I really enjoy the star. Classic.
3) This:
Let me know what you think!
Thursday, November 22, 2007
Wednesday, November 21, 2007
Tuesday, November 20, 2007
I've been a busy girl
First I taught Caden how to crack open his own diet pepsi and log onto youtube so he can watch the Muppets all on his own.
Then I taught him how to be a trend setter...soon all the kids will be wearing their shades upside down.
I then cut his hair into a stylish new doo.
Yesterday I bought a new, smaller dresser for Caden's room and organized everything...moving almost all of his toys from the living room into organized baskets in his room. I was quite proud of myself...now our living space doesn't look as much like romper room as it used to.
Then I taught him how to be a trend setter...soon all the kids will be wearing their shades upside down.
I then cut his hair into a stylish new doo.
Yesterday I bought a new, smaller dresser for Caden's room and organized everything...moving almost all of his toys from the living room into organized baskets in his room. I was quite proud of myself...now our living space doesn't look as much like romper room as it used to.
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